Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government to establish and operate a Software Developer Skills Development Hub in a move expected to accelerate Zimbabwe’s digital transformation and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The initiative underscores the growing importance of public-private partnerships in driving skills development, innovation and economic modernisation as Zimbabwe positions itself to become a digitally driven, knowledge-based economy.
The partnership is aligned with the Smart Zimbabwe Master Plan, the Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the National ICT Policy, all of which seek to promote digital sovereignty, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
Under the agreement, the parties will work towards developing a strong pipeline of skilled software developers, while expanding access to world-class digital training and critical technological infrastructure.
The hub is expected to play a pivotal role in equipping young Zimbabweans with future-ready digital skills, while also supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.
In a statement, Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zimbabwe vice president and chief executive officer Ms Loretta Songola said digital transformation had become an urgent economic necessity rather than a long-term aspiration.
“Digital transformation is no longer a future goal, it is an immediate economic imperative,” she said.
“This partnership reflects our unyielding commitment to equipping Zimbabwe’s youth, entrepreneurs, and businesses with the exact skills and infrastructure needed to dominate the global digital economy.
“Through this initiative, we are proud to ignite a sustainable technology ecosystem that creates meaningful jobs, fuels entrepreneurship, and establishes Zimbabwe as a beacon of regional innovation.”
Minister of Skills Audit and Development Dr Jenfan Muswere said the collaboration was designed to create a sustainable skills development framework aligned with industry requirements and the rapidly evolving global digital economy.
“This MOU is about creating a robust and sustainable skills development programme that is aligned with the needs of industry and the digital economy,” he said.
“By focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital analytics, cyber security, and software development, we are ensuring that Zimbabwe participates in the Fourth Industrial Revolution not only as a consumer but also as a creator, innovator, and inventor.
“Working together with Liquid Intelligent Technologies, we are advancing our collective responsibility to build a digitally connected, technologically sovereign upper-middle-income society under Vision 2030.”
According to the agreement, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, through Cassava Technologies, will provide high-speed connectivity, cloud services, cyber security solutions and AI compute training programmes to support the initiative.
The Software Developer Skills Development Hub will also offer mentorship programmes, startup incubation opportunities and internship placements, while providing participants with access to regional technology projects across Africa.
The initiative comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to build a competitive digital economy capable of creating employment opportunities, attracting investment and enhancing innovation-driven industrialisation.
The partnership has the potential to strengthen Zimbabwe’s ICT sector by bridging the gap between academia and industry, while positioning local developers to compete in regional and international technology markets.
derick.khumalo